Orlando Magic Make Bold Move in Eastern Conference

The Orlando Magic are seizing what they see as a significant opportunity in the Eastern Conference, and they’re not holding back.

In a notable trade, the Magic have brought in Desmond Bane, the standout guard from the Grizzlies. In exchange, they have sent Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, and four unprotected first-round picks, along with a first-round pick swap, according to various reports.

This deal also includes the 16th overall pick from this year’s draft.

Bane, who will turn 27 later this month, had an impressive season with averages of 19.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists in 69 games. He shot 48.4% from the field, with a solid 39.2% from beyond the arc.

Over the last four seasons as a full-time starter, his averages stand at 20.2 points, 5 rebounds, and 4.3 assists, highlighting his capability as a strong two-way player.

He signed a five-year maximum contract extension two summers ago, but he’s still within the four-year deal.

In the trade, Caldwell-Pope joins the Grizzlies. He’s a two-time champion, having grabbed titles with both the Lakers and the Nuggets.

Cole Anthony, at 25, also moves to Memphis. He played high school basketball at Queens’ Archbishop Molloy and has averaged 9.4 points, 3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists this season.

As for Caldwell-Pope, he has two years left on a three-year, $66 million deal he signed with Orlando last summer, with the final year being a player option.

The Magic are banking on their strong young core, which includes Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs. They finished as the No. 7 seed last season but were ousted by the Celtics in five games in the first round. The magic might feel well-positioned to make a real impact in the open landscape of the East next season.

While it’s a hefty price to pay for Bane, the Magic seem eager to move on from Caldwell-Pope’s contract, especially since they have needed to strengthen their wing position since Bane’s rookie year.

The Grizzlies, meanwhile, faced disappointment in the playoffs, having been swept by the Thunder after parting ways with head coach Taylor Jenkins shortly before the postseason.